Denver Post reporter Electa Draper had a great story last week about how scientists are now concluding that dogs are more than instinct-driven automatons. Canines are being credited with having rich emotional lives and a sense of morals.

It’s about time. Any pet owner could have told them that years ago. I’ve lived with dogs all my life and I know it’s true.

“We’re not trying to elevate animals,” said animal behaviorist Marc Bekoff, professor emeritus of the University of Colorado. “We’re not trying to reduce humans. We’re not saying we’re better or worse or the same. We’re saying we’re not alone in having a nuanced moral system.”

I will argue with anyone that dogs do smile and laugh. I’ve seen my chihuahua, Diego Rivera, crawl up in my lap for some petting and break into an unmistakable grin.

Fetch takes a topical look at a variety of issues affecting pets, including the latest research results.. It seeks to provide useful information for Colorado pet owners and to spotlight the work of Colorado animal welfare groups.